Friendly

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere.  Before him, I may think aloud.” Where I do agree with that statement, I do see a problem. Too many times, people think their friends are the ones they can complain to and vent all their frustrations – and that is all they do. This does not make for much of a friendship, and soon your friends will seek other companions who are not so draining.

One of the joys of a good friendship is that it lifts you and makes you glad to be around your friend. Scouts discover that nothing bonds a friendship more than laughter. It is the cement that holds people together. Scouts learn the secret to being happy is making your friends happy. Mark Twain said, “The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.” When you focus on making your friends happy, you will be happy in return.

“He gains everyone’s approval, who mixes the pleasant with the useful.”

Horace

65-8 BC

Roman Poet

Where friendships are there to share the joys and sorrows of life, good friendships share far more blessings than pains. Scouts learn that as friends, they have to see that those they befriend are the most successful they can be in life. Scouts desire to be a pleasure for their friends to be around and that they will bring out the best in them as people. It is as Henry Ford said, “My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.” That is what a friend does.

Being a good friend is also a simple thing. We all know what friendship is in our nature. As humans, we desire to give it and receive it. As with most simple things, people tend to complicate it and put restrictions on it. These people have a hard time with friendships because their standards are so personal to them that no one could meet them. Henry David Thoreau had it right when he said, “The most I can do for my friend is simply be his friend.”

Be a joy to be around. Keep your heart joyful, and your friends will seek out your company. As the great American writer, Washington Irving, said, “A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles.” Scouts not only make good friends, but they are the kind of friends that make others feel happy to be with them.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey